The Coquilla-nut is the seed of the piassava or piacaba palm (Attalea funifera), one of the coconut group, a native of Brazil. The nuts are between six and nine centimetres long, oval, of a rich brown colour and very hard, and were formerly used in turnery for making umbrella-handles, etc. Research Coquilla-nut
A gingham was a sort of light hearted or playful umbrella made from usually striped or chequered material like a parasol. They were made at Guingamp in Brittany, whence their name. Ginghams were popular and common in Britain until about the Second World War. Research Gingham
Sarah Gamp (Mrs Gamp) is a character is Charles Dickens book 'Martin Chuzzlewit'. She is a monthly nurse famous for her large, bulky umbrella and perpetual references to her imaginary friend 'Mrs Harris' whose opinions always confirm her own. Research Sarah Gamp
An umbrella is a light, portable screen usually circular and supported on a central stick. They are used as protection against the rain and also sun - in which case they are usually refered to as a sunshade or parasol. Umbrellas are made of fabric, silk, paper, cotton or other materials stretched on a steel or wooden, radiating, folding frame supported on a central stick.
Umbrellas were known in England in the 17th century, but their use does not appear to have been general until the later part of the 18th century, Jonas Hanway being one of the first to make a habit of acrrying an umbrella.
By the invention of the 'Paragon' ribs, Samuel Fox, in 1852, improved upon the old umbrellas with wooden ribs, and did much tostimulate the trade of umbrella, making, among the chief centres of which were London, Manchester, Paris, Lyons, and Angers.
In the East, umbrellas were used as symbols of royalty and power from early times. In ancient Egypt and Nineveh sculptured remains show them carried in procession, and they are found pictured on Greek vases. Anglo-Saxon manuscripts show them carried by attendants over persons of rank. The Maratha princes of India were known as Lords of the Umbrella, and in Burma white umbrellas were reserved for the use of the king and the sacred white elephant; coloured ones, graduated according to their tint, belonged to corresponding grades in rank. The baldachin , the canopy of a throne or a pulpit, has the same original symbolical meaning as the umbrella. Research Umbrella
China Grass (Boehmeria nivea) is a plant of the nettle family, a native of Southern and Eastern Asia and the Asiatic islands, and now more or less cultivated in many other countries, such as Southern France, Algeria, Natal, Mauritius, Australia, the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. It yields a fibre which possesses most valuable properties, and has long been made in China into a beautiful cloth. It is very strong, presents unusual resistance to the effects of moisture, and is fine and silky in appearance. During the Victorian era in England such articles as ladies' scarves, handkerchiefs, umbrella-covers, etc, were made of it. Research China Grass
Cotinga is a common name for any of about 90 species of birds constituting the family Cotingidae, probably native to tropical South America but now ranging through Central America and into the south-western USA. They are mainly fruit-eating forest dwellers. Cotingas vary in size but may be up to 45 centimetres long. Many are brilliantly coloured, with striking crowns and wattles. The cries of several species, such as the bellbirds, are distinctive and can be heard for long distances. Their nests range from crude affairs to sophisticated domes. Among the cotinga species are the cock-of-the-rock and the umbrella bird. Research Cotinga
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an umbelliferous aromatic Eurasian plant, with finely dissected leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of yellow flowers. The fruits, commonly but erroneously called seeds, of which are moderately warming, pungent, and aromatic, and are employed medicinally as a carminative. In appearance it resembles the fennel. Dill-seeds yield dill-water, which is used as a remedy in flatulency and gripes of children. Research Dill
The Umbrella Tree (Magnoliaumbrella) is a small tree of the natural order Magnoliaceae native to North America. The Umbrella Tree has oval-lance shaped leaves thirty to sixty centimetres long, crowded at the summit of the flowering branches in an umbrella-like circle. The flowers are large, white and slightly scented. Research Umbrella Tree
Jonas Hanway was an English traveller and philanthropist. He was born in 1712 and died in 1786. At an early age he was apprenticed to a merchant at Lisbon, and in 1743 became a partner in a British house at St Petersburg. He travelled in Persia, and published An Historical Account of the British Trade over the Caspian Sea. Later he settled in London, where he became widely known as an active philanthropist. He is popularly known as one of the first Englishmen to regularly use an umbrella. Research Jonas Hanway
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Coquilla-nut
